Kirk details stroke recovery in op-ed piece

CHICAGO – U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has detailed the intense memories of the stroke he suffered more than a year ago, including an ambulance ride to the hospital, recovering from surgeries and grueling rehabilitation.

The Illinois Republican described the experiences in Sunday's Washington Post.

Kirk says there were times he thought he'd die and how he's since strengthened his faith. He also recalls the intense physical rehabilitation, saying he wanted to give up at times.

Kirk describes lying in an intensive care unit during last year's Super Bowl and being able to smell the food from a staff party.

He returned to work in January and says climbing the steps of the Capitol was one of the greatest moments of his life.